Xpadorians (eks•pä•dôr′ē•ənz) n. Expats in Ecuador

Steve Beckman – 1951-2014

It is with deep sadness that I must inform South of Zero readers of the passing of my husband Steve. On November 3rd he suffered a burst aneurism and passed away two days later. He was the happiest he’s ever been in his life and told me how grateful he was that we moved to Cuenca. He wanted to live in Ecuador for the rest of his life, I only wish that he had more time to enjoy it. His brother Dave and I will remain here and honor his memory. A Celebration of Life memorial is planned for Friday, November 28th, at the Museo de las Culturas Aborigenes. Those who wish to pay their respects can attend. The museum is located at Calle Larga 5-24, between Calles Hermano Miguel and Mariano Cueva.

14 Responses

Dear Mary,
Bo and I were so saddened to hear about Steve’s death. We will always remember him as a fun-loving, energetic, and kind man.
We’re glad we met you and Steve and had some fun times together. Sweet memories!!!! We are unable to attend the “celebration” in honor of Steve on the 28th, as we are back in the states, but I wanted you to know that we will be thinking of you as you are surrounded and supported by many of the friends who knew Steve and remain a big part of your life in Cuenca. Sending much Love,
Linda and Bo

Steve was a warm caring man who never met a stranger! He will be missed. We will be out of town, but you will be in our thoughts during Steve’s celebration of life on the 28th. Sending love, condolences & healing thoughts your way.

I have just heard from one of my sisters (who heard from the grapevine) about Steve’s passing. I have thought about him often throughout the years. We hung out together in Hermosa Beach and were the best of friends at the time. We lost touch when he entered the military. I never knew where he settled but it appears he was in his element in Ecuador. So many things come to mind when I think of Steve. We had some great times; so great that his mom hated my guts and my mom loved him. I will never forget him coming up with the phrase “Royal Badodi” meaning we just stepped in it and might not get out. I remember his younger brothers Chris, David and one other whose name escapes me. Your blog entry mentions Steve’s aneurism happened on Nov 3rd. I was blown away; that is my birthday. I just wanted you to know that he meant a lot to me. Over the years my family would ask me if I had heard “anything about Beckman”. Sadly now I have “heard about Beckman”. Even though we had lost touch I will miss him a lot just knowing he’s not on this earth.

I, too, lost my husband Will in Cuenca in 2012. He died of a brain tumor. Like your husband, he loved Ecuador and all the people he met and like Steve it was all too little time. But at least our husbands got to experience it. I do understand what you are going thru. I can tell you that although you will never stop missing Steve you will remember your wonderful times and you will be smiling.

From one widow to another, please contact me at rubyriv@juno.com if you want to talk about anything at all. Will was the laughing, joking one in our relationship too. Please let me know how I can help.

I did not know Steve, but the way he is described to me, I wish I had. I relate very much to your statement of how happy he was living in Ecuador, as I tell my wife often how glad I am we moved 2 1/2 years ago. When we got here, I told her this is where I will die, and since I am not 72 the end of the road can be only so far away, but I intend to get everything out of each day, so I am happy Steve had his life here.

Thank you Gin, I thought we would have more time together. To die this suddenly is a lesson for everybody that there might not be a tomorrow, you never know if today could be your last day. Thank you for your sentiments, Mary